LIVESTOCK farmers in the Markethill and surrounding areas say they are living in fear of waking up to find more of their cattle stolen and are insisting something must be done to stop the thefts.

Over the past three months there has been what has been described as a "rustling epidemic" in the area with numerous farmers losing cattle valued at tens of thousands of pounds.

Now those farmers, and neighbouring producers, want something done about it as they claim the PSNI is doing nothing to stop the thieves. Some have described the area as the "wild west."

Over the past six months there has been 57 cattle stolen in the Loughgall to Markethill area, including the Stabiliser cattle from Loughgall Research Institute. Despite great publicity surrounding the theft of the Stabiliser cattle, none of the stolen livestock have been found.

Two farmers who had cattle stolen in the area, with the most recent incident just some days ago, contacted FarmWeek in despair.

Those farmers did not want to be identified for fear of repercussions, but insist something must be done to stop these thefts.

One farmer from the Markethill area said: "I have lost cattle on three separate occasions over the last six months with the most recent theft just a month ago when three of my bullocks were taken.

"I wake up every morning fearing more have been stolen during the night. I do all I can to prevent the thefts but this must be an organised gang who know the area and who know cattle.

"They must have connections and the knowhow to move these cattle on and fast. The PSNI have been informed and are well aware of what is going on but it seems they do nothing about it.

"Something has to be done to stop this gang. My cattle are insured but now the insurance company is taking time to decide whether to pay out or not because it has happened so often. This must end and end now," he said.

Another farmer, this time from the Mowhan area, said: "We have a fair idea who is behind this, the PSNI also have a fair idea, but still nothing is done and the thefts continue."

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August 27th 2009
August 13th 2009

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